Research, Benefits and Risk Factors: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Personal Hyperbaric Chambers

Over the past 40 years hyperbaric oxygen therapy conducted in personal hyperbaric chambers has been recommended and used in a wide variety of medical conditions, often without adequate scientific validation of efficacy or safety. Consequently a high degree of medical scepticism has developed regarding its use. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society approves use of personal hyperbaric chambers

for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a few conditions for which there is thought to be reasonable scientific evidence or well validated clinical experience. In these conditions early referral is essential.



Some of the therapeutic uses of hyperbaric oxygen given in personal hyperbaric chambers:
Based on Suggestive scientific evidence:
Adjunctive treatment



   1. Refractory osteomyelitis
   2. Radiation induced injury
   3. Acute traumatic ischaemic injury
   4. Prolonged failure of wound healing
   5. Exceptional anaemia from blood loss



Hyperbaric oxygen therapy given in personal hyperbaric chambers has been shown ineffective in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and dementia, but it continues to be used despite the risks of the treatment. For conditions where its use remains unproved—for example, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, and gastroduodenal ulcer— personal hyperbaric chamber providing hyperbaric oxygen should be used only in the context of well controlled clinical trials.

Cellular and biochemical benefits of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a personal hyperbaric chamber:

   1. Promotes angiogenesis and wound healing
   2. Kills certain anaerobes
   3. Prevents growth of species such as Pseudomonas
   4. Prevents production of clostridial alpha toxin
   5. Restores neutrophil mediated bacterial killing in previously hypoxic tissues
   6. Reduces leucocyte adhesion in reperfusion injury, preventing release of proteases and free radicals which cause vasoconstriction and cellular damage



Personal Hyperbaric Chambers Are Mainly Of Two Types: Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber And Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber:


Comparison of monoplace and multiplace hyperbaric oxygen chambers Monoplace Personal Hyperbaric Chamber

    * Claustrophobic environment; limited access to patient
    * Whole chamber contains hyperbaric oxygen, increasing fire risk
    * Lower cost

    * Portable



Multiplace Personal Hyperbaric Chamber



    * More room; assistant can enter to deal with acute problems such aspneumothorax
    * Hyperbaric oxygen via tight fitting mask—chamber gascan be air (reduced fire risk)
    * Risk of cross infection when used for ulcers etc



Often early treatment in personal hyperbaric chamber is essential for maximum benefit. This poses appreciable practical problems as severely ill patients may have to be transported long distances and may require intensive medical support, including mechanical ventilation, between treatment sessions. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks for each patient with the regional hyperbaric oxygen facilities.



Multi- occupancy personal hyperbaric chambers are required for critically ill patients who require an attendant within the chamber and are usually used for acute problems. Monoplace chambers can be used to treat patients with chronic medical conditions. Hyperbaric oxygen is inhaled through masks, tight fitting hoods, or endotracheal tubes.

Inside the chambers pressure is usually increased to about 250-280 kPa, equivalent to a depth of 15-18m of water. The duration of treatment varies from 45 to 300 min and patients may receive up to 40 sessions. Appropriate monitoring is essential during treatment, and facilities for resuscitation and immediate mechanical ventilation should be available.

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